Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Group Therapy for Addiction
When selecting a psychotherapeutic approach for a client, you must consider the unique needs and characteristics of that particular client. The same is true when selecting a psychotherapeutic approach for groups. Not every approach is appropriate for every group, and the group’s unique needs and characteristics must be considered. For this Assignment, you examine psychotherapeutic approaches to group therapy for addiction.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
· Evaluate psychotherapeutic approaches to group therapy for addiction
To prepare:
· Review this week’s Learning Resources and reflect on the insights they provide on group therapy for addiction.
· View the media, Levy Family: Sessions 1-7, and consider the psychotherapeutic approaches being used.
The Assignment
In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:
· Identify the psychotherapeutic approach that the group facilitator is using and explain why she might be using this approach ( clue, CBT- Exposure therapy, breathing exercise,listerning, PTSD)
· Determine whether or not you would use the same psychotherapeutic approach if you were the counselor facilitating this group and justify your decision.
· Identify an alternative approach to group therapy for addiction and explain why it is an appropriate option.
· Support your position with evidence-based literature.
Note: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The sample paper provided by the Walden Writing Center provides examples of those required elements (available at All papers submitted must use this formatting.
Required Readings( Need 3 references)
American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
- Standard 6 “Evaluation” (pages 65-66)
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Gamble, J., & O’ Lawrence, H. (2016). An overview of the efficacy of the 12-step group therapy for substance abuse treatment. Journal of Health & Human Services Administration, 39(1), 142-160.
Kim, J. W., Choi, Y. S., Shin, K. C., Kim, O. H., Lee, D. Y., Jung, M. H., … Choi, I. (2012). The effectiveness of continuing group psychotherapy for outpatients with alcohol dependence: 77-month outcomes. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 36(4), 686–692. doi:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01643.x
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer.
- Chapter 16, “Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Addictions and Related Disorders” (pp. 565–596)
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.
- Chapter 13, “Problem Group Members” (pp. 391–427)
Document: Group Therapy Progress Note
Required Media
Allyn & Bacon (Producer). (2000). Motivational interviewing [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Psychotherapy.net.
The approximate length of this media pice is 102 minutes.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013d). Levy family: Sessions 1-7 [Video file]. Baltimore, MD; Author.
Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2015). Group therapy for addictions: An interpersonal relapse prevention approach [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author.
Optional Resources
Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2000a). Cognitive therapy for addictions [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author.
Expert Solution Preview
The psychotherapeutic approach that the group facilitator is using appears to be Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This can be inferred from the information given in the prompt, where it mentions clue words such as “CBT- Exposure therapy, breathing exercise, listening, PTSD”. CBT is a common approach used in addiction treatment as it focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to addiction. In the case of group therapy, CBT can help individuals recognize their own patterns of thinking and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse, while also providing support and accountability from the group.
If I were the counselor facilitating this group, I would also choose to use the same psychotherapeutic approach of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach has been widely researched and has shown effectiveness in treating addiction. CBT provides a structured and goal-oriented framework that allows group members to actively participate in their own recovery, while also providing support and encouragement from their peers. Additionally, CBT can help individuals develop coping skills, identify triggers, and develop strategies to prevent relapse.
An alternative approach to group therapy for addiction could be Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a client-centered approach that focuses on enhancing motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence towards substance abuse. This approach can be particularly effective for individuals who may be unsure or hesitant about making changes in their substance use. MI emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and respect for the client’s autonomy. It can be a useful complement to CBT or as a standalone approach in group therapy for addiction. Research has shown that MI can help increase motivation, reduce substance use, and improve treatment outcomes.
In conclusion, the group facilitator in the given scenario appears to be using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If I were the counselor facilitating the group, I would also choose to use CBT due to its effectiveness in treating addiction. However, an alternative approach to group therapy for addiction could be Motivational Interviewing (MI), which focuses on enhancing motivation to change. Both approaches have evidence-based support and can be valuable tools in addressing addiction in a group therapy setting.
